Solid-State Protective Layer for E-Cigarette Atomizer Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic cigarette atomizers often experience dry burning when first used, as the heating element heats an empty or un-drenched liquid absorbent, causing damage and preventing proper use.
Innovation Solution
A heating element with a solid-state protective layer is placed between the heater and the liquid absorbent, which melts and absorbs when heated, preventing direct contact and thus avoiding dry burning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the heating element directly contacts the liquid absorbent from the beginning, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the liquid absorbent will be damaged by dry burning during first use
Solution Approach 1:
A solid-state protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the heating element and the liquid absorbent. This protective layer prevents direct contact during initial heating operations, eliminating dry burning damage. Once the liquid absorbent is properly saturated with e-liquid, the protective layer melts away, allowing direct thermal contact for efficient atomization.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state protective layer is pre-applied to the heating element before the atomizer is used. This preliminary protective measure ensures that when the atomizer is first activated, the heating element does not directly heat the liquid absorbent, thereby preventing dry burning before e-liquid saturation occurs.
2Reliability
If a protective layer is added between the heater and liquid absorbent, then dry burning is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is implemented as a thin film coating on the heating element surface. This thin-film approach provides the necessary protective function while minimizing structural complexity and maintaining a compact atomizer design. The thin film melts at a specific temperature to reveal the heating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element structure comprises composite materials: a base heating element material (such as nickel, titanium, or stainless steel) combined with a solid-state protective layer material that melts at a controlled temperature. This composite structure integrates both protective and heating functions in a unified component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents dry burning of the liquid absorbent during the first use of the atomizer by ensuring the liquid absorbent is protected from the heater until it is fully drenched with e-liquid, ensuring proper function and extending the atomizer's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The solid-state protective layer is placed between the liquid absorbent and the heater and will be melted and absorbed by the liquid absorbent when the heater heats the solid-state protective layer under current drive.
Implementation Method 2
a part of the liquid absorbent is accommodated in the liquid storing chamber and the other part of the liquid absorbent is accommodated in the atomizing chamber so that the liquid absorbent can absorb the e-liquid refilled in the liquid storing chamber into the atomizing chamber.
Implementation Method 3
the atomizing component is used to heat the e-liquid absorbed by the liquid absorbent under current drive
Implementation Method 4
the heater heats the solid-state protective layer under current drive
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a heating element for an atomizer of an electronic cigarette. The atomizer defines an atomizing chamber and a liquid storing chamber for e-liquid refilling. The atomizer includes a heating element, which includes a heater, a liquid absorbent, and a solid-state protective layer. The solid-state protective layer is placed between the liquid absorbent and heater such that the e-liquid in the solid-state protective layer will be melted and absorbed by the liquid absorbent when the heater heats the solid-state protective layer under current drive.